GHOST Vitamin C + Glutathione: Premium Antioxidant Protection Powered by Setria

In the ever-expanding world of supplements, finding products that combine simplicity, quality, and science-backed ingredients can be challenging. GHOST Lifestyle addresses this need with their GHOST Basics line – a streamlined collection of essential supplements designed with their trademark transparency and quality. Among these fundamentals, GHOST Basics Vitamin C + Glutathione stands out as a powerhouse antioxidant combination designed to support your body’s natural defense systems.

Kyowa Hakko’s premium Setria® Glutathione stars in GHOST Basics Vitamin C + Glutathione! This powerful antioxidant duo defends against free radicals, supports immune health, and enhances recovery.

GHOST Basics Vitamin C + Glutathione: Setria for Serious Protection

This premium supplement pairs two exceptional ingredients: PureWay-C™, an enhanced-absorption vitamin C, and Setria® Glutathione from Kyowa Hakko, widely recognized as “the master antioxidant”. The result is a straightforward yet potent formula that addresses the body’s antioxidant needs without unnecessary additives or marketing hype.

Despite their recent acquisition by Keurig Dr Pepper for $1.65 billion, GHOST continues to demonstrate their commitment to supplement innovation. While their energy drinks may drive significant revenue, the brand hasn’t neglected their roots in performance nutrition. In fact, they’ve doubled down on quality by partnering with industry-leading ingredient suppliers.

GHOST Basics Vitamin C + Glutathione represents the brand’s philosophy perfectly: take essential, science-backed ingredients, source them from premium manufacturers, and deliver them in effective doses with complete transparency. Let’s examine what makes this antioxidant combination worthy of your daily supplement regimen.

Before digging into the ingredients, let’s quickly break down antioxidants in general:

The Science of Antioxidants

Every day, your body faces an invisible battle at the cellular level. During normal metabolic processes, your cells produce unstable molecules called free radicals — highly reactive compounds with unpaired electrons that aggressively seek to stabilize themselves by “stealing” electrons from nearby molecules.^[1]

This electron theft, known as oxidative stress, damages cellular structures including DNA, proteins, and cell membranes. While your body produces free radicals naturally through metabolism, their production dramatically increases due to environmental factors like pollution, UV radiation, cigarette smoke, poor diet, and intense exercise.^[2]

Free radicals can also cause negative feedback loops in the body, specifically a free radical chain reaction where one free radical binds to a molecule, generating another free radical, which then goes on to do the same… on and on wreaking havoc on cells until there’s a “combo breaker” to stop the molecular damage. That combo breaker is an ingredient like Setria L-Glutathione.

How Antioxidants Work

This is where antioxidants like glutathione enter the picture. Antioxidants are your body’s defense system against oxidative damage. They neutralize free radicals by donating one of their electrons without becoming unstable themselves. Think of them as cellular bodyguards that sacrifice themselves to protect your body.^[3]

The Benefits of Protection

Proper antioxidant function supports:

• Immune system health by protecting immune cells from damage
• Cellular detoxification by binding to harmful compounds for elimination
• Energy production by maintaining mitochondrial function
• Cardiovascular health by supporting blood vessel function
• Recovery from exercise by managing workout-induced oxidative stress
• Healthy aging by reducing cellular damage that contributes to aging

Why Supplementation Matters

While your body produces glutathione naturally, levels can decline due to aging, stress, poor nutrition, and environmental toxins. Glutathione levels begin dropping around age 45 and continue declining throughout life.

This tripeptide powerhouse represents your body’s primary defense against oxidative stress and toxins. While naturally produced, glutathione levels decline with age, poor diet, and environmental stressors, making supplementation increasingly valuable.

This brings us to the research on glutathione, covered first in our GHOST Basics Vitamin C + Glutathione ingredient list:

GHOST Basics Vitamin C + Glutathione Ingredients

Each two-capsule serving contains the following:

• Setria® Glutathione – 250mg

  Glutathione isn’t just another antioxidant — it’s often called “the master antioxidant” for good reason. This powerful tripeptide (consisting of three amino acids: glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine) is found in virtually every cell of your body, where it serves as your primary internal defense against oxidative stress and toxins.^[1] And Setria® is the premiere form of this powerful antioxidant ingredient.

  The Master Antioxidant

  What makes glutathione so special? Unlike many antioxidants that can only neutralize specific types of free radicals, glutathione works as a comprehensive defense system. It not only directly neutralizes free radicals itself, but also has the remarkable ability to regenerate other antioxidants like vitamins C and E. This is important because after those antioxidants neutralize free radicals, they become unstable themselves. Glutathione however, steps in to recycle them, returning them to active duty and extending their protective abilities.

  Think of glutathione as the great protector of your cells. This protection extends throughout your entire body — from your liver’s detoxification processes to your immune system’s ability to fight off infections.

  The Setria® Difference

  Not all glutathione supplements are created equal. Setria® Glutathione, manufactured by Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., Ltd. through a proprietary fermentation process, represents the gold standard in glutathione supplementation. Unlike synthetic alternatives, this patented form offers several distinct advantages:

  

  • Clinically Studied: Setria® has been rigorously tested in human clinical trials, demonstrating its ability to increase blood glutathione levels and support immune function.^[1]
  • Ultra-Pure Quality: Setria® offers exceptional purity with an assay value of 98.0% or greater, ensuring you’re getting exactly what you’re paying for without unwanted contaminants or fillers.
  • Vegetarian-Friendly Fermentation: Produced through a specialized fermentation process that contains no animal-derived ingredients, making it suitable for vegetarian diets.
  • Clean Label Profile: Setria® meets strict specifications including USP monograph requirements and GMP-compliant manufacturing. It’s also free from common allergens and is Kosher and Halal certified.

  Benefits Beyond Antioxidant Protection

  While Setria® Glutathione’s antioxidant properties are impressive, its benefits extend far beyond simply fighting free radicals:

  • Immune System Support

    Glutathione plays a critical role in supporting your body’s natural immune function. A landmark clinical study showed that daily supplementation with Setria® Glutathione (1000 mg) for six months led to remarkable immune benefits, including a two-fold increase in natural killer (NK) cell activity.^[1]

    NK cells represent your body’s first line of defense against viruses and cancer cells, making this finding particularly significant for those looking to maintain robust immune health. By replenishing your body’s primary defense system, Setria® provides crucial support for your immune cells’ functionality and activity.

  

  Oral glutathione supplementation significantly enhanced natural killer cell activity and supported lymphocyte proliferation after three months. These improvements in immune function demonstrate benefits beyond basic antioxidant protection.^[1]

  • Powerful Detoxification Support

    Your liver is your body’s primary detoxification organ, and glutathione is absolutely essential for its proper function. Setria® Glutathione supports the body’s natural detoxification pathways in two critical ways:

    1. It helps eliminate toxins, ingested chemicals, and potential carcinogens that the body has already absorbed.
    2. It intercepts and neutralizes toxins in the gastrointestinal tract before they’re even absorbed.

    This detoxification support becomes increasingly important in our modern environment, where we’re exposed to countless toxins through air pollution, processed foods, and everyday household products.

  • Sports Nutrition Benefits

    For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, Setria® brings some additional exciting benefits. Recent research shows that when combined with L-citrulline (found in many pre-workout formulas, including GHOST Legend), Setria® Glutathione may support nitric oxide (NO) production and help sustain NO levels post-workout.^[3]

    

    While placebo and single ingredients show declining nitric oxide levels post-exercise, the Setria® and L-Citrulline combination maintains elevated NO production well after your workout ends. This synergy explains why serious athletes are turning to this powerful pairing.^[3]

    This Setria® Performance Blend may:^[4]

    • Support NO levels during and after training
    • Sustain NO for longer-lasting effects
    • Aid in vasodilation to fuel muscles with oxygen and nutrients
    • Potentially reduce fatigue and speed recovery

  For GHOST users who stack their supplements, combining GHOST Basics Vitamin C + Glutathione with Legend pre-workout creates a powerful synergy that could enhance your training experience.

  

  Combining Setria® Glutathione with L-Citrulline delivers significantly higher nitrate concentrations than either ingredient alone or placebo. This translates to enhanced blood flow, nutrient delivery, and potential performance improvements for athletes.^[3]

  Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness

  One of the most common questions about oral glutathione supplementation has been whether it can actually increase the body’s glutathione levels. A landmark randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial put this question to rest by demonstrating that Setria® Glutathione is indeed effectively absorbed and utilized by the body.^[1]

  The study showed that daily supplementation with Setria® for six months led to significant increases in glutathione levels:^[1]

  

  Oral glutathione at 1000mg daily significantly boosted GSH concentrations in plasma, lymphocytes, and particularly buccal cells, where levels jumped over 260% from baseline. The washout period demonstrates supplementation must be ongoing for sustained benefits.^[1]

  • 30% increase in whole blood glutathione
  • 35% increase in red blood cell glutathione
  • An impressive 260% increase in buccal cell glutathione (buccal cells are cells on the inside of the cheek)

  These increases were dose and time-dependent, meaning higher doses and longer supplementation periods yielded better results. Importantly, when supplementation ended, glutathione levels gradually returned to baseline, demonstrating the importance of consistent daily supplementation.

  

  Glutathione supplementation at both 250mg and 1000mg daily doses produced significant increases in whole blood and red blood cell GSH levels, with the higher dose delivering more pronounced benefits across the six-month study period.^[1]

  More recent research has found that glutathione supplementation may also benefit gut health. A 2023 study showed that six months of glutathione supplementation in metabolically-compromised individuals led to favorable changes in gut microbiome composition, with increases in beneficial bacteria and decreases in potentially harmful ones.^[2]

  Glutathione Levels and Why Supplementation Matters

  

  Six months of glutathione supplementation significantly improved oxidized-to-reduced glutathione ratios, particularly at the 1000mg daily dose. This represents enhanced cellular protective capacity against oxidative damage from exercise, stress, and environmental factors.^[1]

  Your body’s glutathione levels don’t remain constant throughout your life—or even throughout your day. Levels naturally fluctuate, typically being lowest in the morning hours and peaking about six hours after meals.

  Several factors can impact your glutathione status:

  • Age: Glutathione levels naturally begin to decline around age 45 and continue to decrease as you age.
  • Health Conditions: Various health challenges can deplete glutathione reserves.
  • Diet: Processed foods, especially cereals, bread, and dairy products, may act as glutathione antagonists.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and environmental toxins all increase free radical production and deplete glutathione.

  GHOST’s decision to include 250mg of Setria® Glutathione in their formula provides an effective dose that helps maintain optimal glutathione levels, especially for active individuals whose training increases oxidative stress and cellular demands.

  By pairing Setria® with PureWay-C™ vitamin C, GHOST has created a synergistic formula that may enhance the recycling effect between these two powerful antioxidants, potentially delivering even greater protection than either ingredient alone. Let’s get into their favorite source of vitamin C next:

• PureWay-C™ – 667mg yielding 500mg Vitamin C (556% DV)

  While most supplement users are familiar with vitamin C, few understand that not all vitamin C forms are created equal. GHOST Basics has specifically chosen PureWay-C™ as their premium vitamin C source, delivering 500mg (556% of your Daily Value) in each serving.

  

  The Essential Benefits of Vitamin C

  Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is more than just an immune booster — it’s a critical nutrient involved in numerous bodily functions. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C neutralizes free radicals that would otherwise damage cells and tissues throughout your body.^[5]

  Beyond its antioxidant properties, vitamin C is essential for:^[5]

  • Collagen synthesis – supporting healthy skin, joints, and connective tissues
  • Immune function – enhancing both innate and adaptive immune responses
  • Iron absorption – improving your body’s ability to utilize iron from food
  • Cardiovascular health – supporting blood vessel function and integrity
  • Neurotransmitter production – aiding in the synthesis of mood-regulating compounds
  • Protein metabolism – facilitating the conversion of amino acids to usable proteins

  What Makes PureWay-C™ Different

  PureWay-C™ represents a significant advancement in vitamin C technology. Unlike standard ascorbic acid or even other “enhanced” forms like Ester-C, PureWay-C™ utilizes a unique delivery system that combines vitamin C with lipid metabolites and citrus bioflavonoids.^[6-9] This proprietary formulation creates a composition specifically designed to improve delivery efficiency to the human body.

  The science behind this innovation is interesting:^[7]

  • Lipid-based delivery system – The fatty acid metabolites help transport vitamin C across cell membranes more efficiently
  • Bioflavonoid complex – Natural citrus bioflavonoids work synergistically with vitamin C to enhance its effects
  • Neutral pH formulation – Unlike acidic forms that can cause digestive discomfort, PureWay-C™ is gentle on the stomach

  This advanced formulation addresses the primary limitations of conventional vitamin C supplements like poor absorption and rapid excretion through innovative delivery technology.

  

  Clinical research demonstrates Setria® delivers impressive increases in glutathione levels across multiple body tissues, doubles natural killer cell activity, and requires consistent supplementation for maintained benefits. A truly evidence-based ingredient choice.^[1]

  Superior Absorption and Retention

  The clinical advantages of PureWay-C™ over traditional vitamin C forms are well-documented. Research shows PureWay-C™ delivers:

  • Faster cellular uptake – Laboratory studies demonstrate that PureWay-C™ is more rapidly absorbed by human T-lymphocytes than other vitamin C formulations, including both ascorbic acid and Ester-C®.^[8]
  • Higher serum levels – Human studies show that PureWay-C™ supplementation leads to higher absolute serum vitamin C levels compared to ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate, and Ester-C®.^[6]
  • Enhanced tissue retention – This improved uptake translates to better functionality, with PureWay-C™ demonstrating greater activity in neurons, fibroblasts, and immune cells.^[7]
  • Reduced inflammation markers – Clinical research indicates PureWay-C™ supplementation leads to greater reduction in inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and oxidized LDL compared to other vitamin C formulations.^[6]

  Greater Functional Benefits

  The enhanced absorption profile of PureWay-C™ isn’t just about higher blood levels — it translates to real functional benefits:

  • Superior immune support: By achieving higher concentrations in immune cells, PureWay-C™ provides better protection against xenobiotic-induced T-cell hyperactivation, potentially reducing inflammatory responses.^[9]
  • Improved antioxidant activity: PureWay-C™ demonstrates excellent free radical scavenging capabilities, reaching nearly 100% reduction of DPPH at just 20 μg/ml in laboratory testing.^[8]
  • Enhanced wound healing: Studies show PureWay-C™ promotes enhanced fibroblast adhesion and spreading on fibronectin to a greater extent than other vitamin C formulations, supporting the wound healing process.^[7]
  • Neurological support: Research indicates PureWay-C™ enhances nerve growth factor-mediated neurite outgrowth within one hour of treatment, maintaining measurable benefits compared to other vitamin C forms.^[7]
  

  GHOST Pump already includes 200mg of Setria® Glutathione working synergistically with citrulline for enhanced nitric oxide production. Stack with GHOST Basics Vitamin C + Glutathione for a potent 450mg Setria® combo on training days.

  GHOST’s Commitment to Premium Vitamin C

  GHOST has demonstrated their commitment to quality by consistently featuring PureWay-C™ across their entire product line. While many supplement companies opt for the cheapest form of vitamin C to check a box on their label, GHOST has chosen to invest in a form that’s scientifically proven to provide superior bioavailability and functional benefits.

  This attention to quality extends throughout their product line, reinforcing why serious supplement users continue to trust the GHOST brand.

  By pairing 500mg of highly-bioavailable vitamin C from PureWay-C™ with Setria® Glutathione in this formula, GHOST has created a powerful antioxidant combination that maximizes the benefits of both ingredients.

The Perfect Pairing: Why Vitamin C and Glutathione are Better Together

When GHOST formulated their Basics Vitamin C + Glutathione supplement, they weren’t just randomly combining two popular antioxidants — they were leveraging a sophisticated biochemical relationship that amplifies the benefits of both compounds. The synergy between these two potent antioxidants creates what scientists call a “redox coupling” system that dramatically enhances your body’s antioxidant defenses.

The Antioxidant Recycling Effect

Vitamin C and glutathione participate in what scientists call a “cyclical redox reaction”. Essentially, this is a biochemical tag-team match against oxidative stress.^[10]

Here’s how this powerful partnership works:

Glutathione is one of the most powerful antioxidants in the body.

1. Mutual Regeneration: When vitamin C neutralizes a free radical, it becomes oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid (DHA). Glutathione steps in to regenerate vitamin C back to its active form, essentially “recharging” it to continue fighting oxidative stress.^[11]
2. Enhanced Protection: Similarly, when glutathione neutralizes free radicals, it becomes oxidized (GSSG). Vitamin C helps convert it back to its reduced, active form (GSH), creating a continuous cycle of protection.^[12]
3. Amplified Effectiveness: This recycling effect means that together, these antioxidants can neutralize more free radicals than either could alone, creating an antioxidant system greater than the sum of its parts.^[10]

The Science Behind the Synergy

The complementary relationship between vitamin C and glutathione isn’t just theoretical – it’s backed by compelling research showing how they support and enhance each other’s functions:

• Cellular Preservation

  Research demonstrates that when vitamin C levels decrease, your body attempts to compensate by synthesizing more glutathione, indicating how your body recognizes the critical relationship between these two antioxidants.^[11]

  Conversely, studies have shown that vitamin C supplementation can increase glutathione levels in subjects with vitamin C deficiency by approximately 18%, illustrating how these antioxidants support each other’s presence in the body.^[10]



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• Exercise Performance Enhancement

  For active individuals, this antioxidant combo shows particular promise. In studies examining exercise performance, combined supplementation of vitamin C and glutathione demonstrated:^[10]

  • Decreased heart rate during exercise
  • Reduced carbon dioxide output
  • Improved skeletal muscle oxygenation
  • Attenuation of exercise-induced oxidative stress markers

These benefits weren’t observed to the same degree when either antioxidant was supplemented alone, underscoring the synergistic relationship.

Stability and Longevity

Another critical benefit of pairing these antioxidants is improved stability. Research shows that glutathione significantly enhances the stability of vitamin C, extending its active presence in the body:

• Without glutathione, vitamin C levels rapidly decline, with only about 10% remaining after three days
• With physiological concentrations of glutathione, approximately 70% of vitamin C remained active after 14 days^[12]

This extended stability means your body maintains higher levels of these protective antioxidants for longer periods, providing more consistent defense against oxidative damage.

Cellular Protection Beyond Single Antioxidants

While vitamin C and glutathione are powerful antioxidants individually, their combined effects extend beyond simple addition. Together, they provide comprehensive protection across multiple cellular systems:

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• Enhanced Immune Function: The vitamin C + glutathione combination better protects immune cells from damage and supports their proper function.^[13]
• Superior Oxidative Stress Management: Studies show the combination more effectively reduces markers of oxidative stress (like lipid peroxidation and protein damage) than either supplement alone.^[11]
• Improved Cellular Detoxification: Together, they enhance your body’s ability to neutralize and eliminate environmental toxins, heavy metals, and other harmful compounds.^[1]
• Greater Mitochondrial Protection: The power-generating mitochondria in your cells are particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage. The vitamin C + glutathione combination provides superior protection for these crucial cellular components, potentially supporting energy production and reducing fatigue.^[10]

The Practical Significance

This biochemical synergy isn’t just an interesting scientific footnote – it translates to real-world benefits for supplement users:

• Greater Value: By leveraging the recycling effect, you get more antioxidant protection per capsule than you would from either ingredient alone
• Extended Benefits: The stability-enhancing effects mean more consistent protection between doses
• Comprehensive Coverage: The combined action provides broader spectrum protection against different types of free radicals and oxidative stressors

By pairing PureWay-C™ and Setria® Glutathione in their formula, GHOST has created a supplement that leverages cutting-edge understanding of antioxidant biochemistry. It’s a perfect example of how intelligent formulation can deliver benefits greater than the sum of individual ingredients – exactly what you’d expect from a brand committed to science-based supplementation.

This randomized clinical trial examining glutathione supplementation maintained exceptional scientific integrity with careful subject screening and robust analytical methods. Note how the higher-dose group maintained perfect retention throughout the study period.^[1]

How to Use GHOST Basics Vitamin C + Glutathione

Getting the most out of your antioxidant supplementation requires proper dosing and timing. Here’s how to maximize the benefits of GHOST Basics Vitamin C + Glutathione:

Recommended Dosage

GHOST recommends taking 2 capsules daily with food and water. This provides the clinically-relevant doses of both PureWay-C™ (500mg of vitamin C) and Setria® Glutathione (250mg) needed to support your body’s antioxidant defenses. The inclusion of food helps improve absorption, as many antioxidants are better utilized when consumed with a meal containing some healthy fats.

Optimal Timing

While the supplement can be taken any time of day, there are some timing considerations that might optimize its benefits:

Images courtesy Kyowa Hakko, the sponsor of this article

• Morning supplementation aligns with your body’s natural glutathione cycle. Research suggests that glutathione levels are typically lowest in the morning hours, making this an ideal time to replenish your stores.
• Pre-workout timing can be beneficial if you’re combining this supplement with your training regimen. Taking your capsules approximately 30-60 minutes before exercise may help prepare your body’s antioxidant defenses for the increased oxidative stress that comes with intense physical activity.
• Consistency matters more than timing – whatever time you choose, maintaining a regular schedule helps ensure your body maintains optimal antioxidant levels.

Strategic Supplement Stacking

GHOST Basics Vitamin C + Glutathione works exceptionally well as both a standalone supplement and as part of a comprehensive stack:

• Complete GHOST Basics Stack – Pair with other GHOST Basics products like Creatine, Fish Oil, and Digestive Enzymes for comprehensive daily health support.
• Pre-Workout Enhancement – Exciting research has shown that Setria® Glutathione works synergistically with L-Citrulline (found in Ghost Legend) to support nitric oxide production and sustain those levels post-workout. This combination may help reduce fatigue and speed recovery, making it an excellent addition to your pre-workout routine.
• Pump Amplification – It’s worth noting that Setria® is already included in Ghost Pump at a 200mg dose. By adding GHOST Basics Vitamin C + Glutathione to your stack, you’re effectively increasing your total Setria® intake to 450mg on training days, potentially enhancing the nitric oxide-supporting benefits even further.

Conclusion: Premium Protection for Everyone

GHOST Basics Vitamin C + Glutathione represents exactly what the GHOST Basics line is all about: essential, high-quality ingredients delivered in effective doses without unnecessary complexity. By partnering with industry leaders like Kyowa Hakko for Setria® Glutathione, GHOST demonstrates their continued commitment to premium supplementation, even after their acquisition by Keurig Dr Pepper.

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The beauty of this supplement lies in its universal appeal and application. While virtually everyone experiences oxidative stress, certain individuals may benefit even more from this powerful antioxidant combination. This includes GHOST’s active, athletic users who deal with training-induced oxidative stress, but also those with significant environmental exposures, busy professionals managing daily stressors, and anyone looking to support their immune function and overall wellness.

Whether you’re using it as a standalone daily supplement or strategically stacking it with GHOST Legend for enhanced workout performance through the Setria®/L-Citrulline connection, GHOST Basics Vitamin C + Glutathione delivers a science-backed approach to antioxidant support. It’s a testament to GHOST’s philosophy that sometimes the most powerful supplements are also the most straightforward.

As oxidative stress becomes an increasingly recognized health concern in our modern world, having a reliable, transparent source of premium antioxidants becomes more valuable than ever. GHOST Basics Vitamin C + Glutathione provides exactly that, cutting through the noise with a simple yet potent formula that addresses a fundamental aspect of health and performance.

For those seeking to build a foundation of quality supplementation, this product serves as an excellent cornerstone in your daily regimen… proving once again that GHOST continues to deliver supplements worth believing in.